Black Jade Rose

The black jade rose is a cool looking miniature.  It’s a unique color for a smaller flower.

It won the ARS award in 1985 for minis, from a smaller breeder called Benardella.  Good to know since I didn’t even know they had an award for those.  It tends to show very nice for a smaller flower.  You might also see this called the Benblack in some regions.

I think the name again is a little bit of a misnomer.  Jade is definitely more of a green color.  It is really more of a deep dark red.  Apparently, in very hot sunny weather it can seem to turn black but it seems to be a little bit of a stretch.  A lot of deep purple and reds can look black from the right angle and a certain sunlight.  The red does look cool with the yellow center stamens.  Some of the “blackness” may be burning, especially in the full sun.  These actually work best in at least partial shade where they can bloom more evenly.

Some specimens, with a little training, have been known to climb.  They can look very cool on some white fencing or trellis, although they won’t get too tall.  Figure on about two feet at the maximum.

Not only does it do well in the heat, but it’s also great with continuous blooming.  There seems to be a couple scattered instances of blackspot every once in a while, but it’s not common.  It’s also not great for colder climates, as I have seen it rated only from zone 6 and above.  Definitely make sure to give it both spring and winter protection.  It may be best grown in pots where you can help manage them against the climate.  It also can need a little more fertilizer and can be particular about the rootstock if grafted.